Tips for sitting your exam: How to stay calm, focused, and prepared
Exams can feel overwhelming, but with the right mindset and preparation, you can walk into the exam hall feeling calm and ready to do your best. Whether you’re sitting GCSEs, A-Levels, or any other important tests, here are some top tips to help you manage the day effectively!
The night before: Set yourself up for success
Pack your essentials
Make sure you have everything you need, so there’s no last-minute panic in the morning. Your exam essentials might include:
Pens (bring spares!)
Pencils, erasers, and a sharpener
A clear pencil case
A calculator (if allowed)
A water bottle with the label removed
Your exam timetable and any required ID
Get a good night’s sleep
A well-rested brain performs much better than a tired one - aim for at least 7-9 hours of sleep to ensure you're feeling refreshed.
Eat well
Fuel your brain with a healthy dinner the night before and a nutritious breakfast in the morning - something like porridge, eggs, or a banana to help maintain steady energy levels.
Stay positive
Instead of cramming last-minute notes, try light revision or relaxation techniques like deep breathing or visualising success - remind yourself that you’ve prepared as best you can.
On exam day: Stay calm and focused
Arrive early
Give yourself plenty of time to get to the exam venue so you don’t feel rushed or stressed - aim to be there at least 20-30 minutes before the start time.
Breathe and stay calm
Feeling nervous? That’s completely normal! Take a few deep breaths to calm your nerves - slow, deep breathing can help lower anxiety and improve focus.
Avoid last-minute panic
Try not to discuss tricky topics with friends just before the exam - it can make you second-guess yourself. Instead, listen to music, go over key points quietly, or just relax.
Read the instructions carefully
Before answering anything, take a moment to carefully read the instructions and understand how many questions you need to answer.
Manage your time wisely
Check how long the exam is and divide your time accordingly.
If a question is worth more marks, spend more time on it.
Don’t get stuck on one question for too long - move on and come back to it later if you have time.
Leave a few minutes at the end to review your answers.
Answer strategically
Start with the questions you feel most confident about.
Show your working in subjects like maths and science - you might get partial credit.
If you don’t know an answer, take an educated guess rather than leaving it blank.
Stay hydrated and focused
A sip of water can help keep you alert, but don’t drink too much - you don’t want to waste time on toilet breaks!
After the exam: Keep moving forward
Don’t dwell on potential mistakes
It’s tempting to discuss answers with friends afterwards, but if you realise you made a mistake, there’s nothing you can do about it now - so don’t stress! Instead, focus on preparing for your next exam.
Relax and recharge
If you have more exams coming up, take a short break before diving back into revision - resting your brain is just as important as studying!
Exams can be nerve-wracking, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can tackle them with confidence. Trust in your abilities, stay calm, and remember that one exam doesn’t define your future.
Good luck - you’ve got this!
